On the basis of the passage given above, the following assumptions have been made : 1. BPA may alter embryonic development in vivo. 2. Biochemical and cell-based assays are useful in finding out treatments for pollution-induced diseases. 3. Embryonic stem cells could serve as a model to evaluate the physiological effects of environmental pollutants. Which of the above assumptions are valid ?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Why the answer is (c)
• Assumption 1 is valid because the passage states BPA causes developmental abnormalities in humans and affects germ layer specification in stem cells, implying it can alter embryonic development in vivo.
• Assumption 3 is valid because the researchers successfully used mouse embryonic stem cells to gauge neurotoxic effects, proving they serve as a model for evaluating physiological effects of pollutants.
• Assumption 2 is invalid because the passage describes using assays to examine gene expression and detect toxicity, not to find treatments for pollution-induced diseases.
• Since assumptions 1 and 3 are supported by the text while assumption 2 is not, the correct combination is 1 and 3 only.
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- Assumption 2 is invalid as the passage does not mention finding treatments for pollution-induced diseases.
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- Assumption 2 is invalid as the passage does not mention finding treatments for pollution-induced diseases.
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Assumption 2 is invalid as the passage does not mention finding treatments for pollution-induced diseases.
Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2021, held on 10 October 2021. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.